Yahoo Analysts Test Tight End Premium Format in 2026 Mock Draft

Yahoo fantasy football analysts have completed a 12-team, 15-round mock draft to evaluate the strategic implications of the platform’s new 'Tight End Premium' scoring format for the 2026 NFL season. The simulation, designed to provide insights ahead of the upcoming draft season, underscores a significant shift in player valuation driven by the new scoring rules.

The 'Tight End Premium' format, now available on Yahoo, awards full points per reception (1 PPR) to tight ends while maintaining half-PPR scoring for all other positions. The roster structure for this format consists of a quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, a tight end, a flex spot, a defence, a kicker, and six bench positions.

The impact of these scoring changes was immediately evident in the draft results, with Green Bay Packers tight end Brock Bowers selected third overall by analyst Mo Castillo. Bowers’ selection reflects his performance during his rookie season, where he recorded 112 catches, 1,194 yards, and five touchdowns. These statistics would have ranked him as the fifth-highest scoring wide receiver had he played at that position.

Analyst Justin Weaver selected Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba at pick 1.07. Weaver noted that while Smith-Njigba recorded 119 receptions, 1,793 yards, and 10 touchdowns in the previous season, he is positioned for another significant campaign in a Seahawks offence that may rely more heavily on the passing game.

Other notable early selections in the draft included Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Puka Nacua. Analysts indicated that player average draft positions are expected to shift in the coming weeks as the draft approaches.